Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. If your nose is broken and in position, the only treatment you will need is home care. It is important to be careful to not bump your nose while it heals. More severe fractures may need realignment or surgery.

Ice

Ice helps reduce inflammation and pain. Apply an ice pack to your nose for 15-20 minutes at a time. Place a towel between the ice pack and your skin.

Medication

Prescription or over-the-counter medications may be given to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Realigning the Bones

If it is determined that your nose is out of position, obstructing your breathing, or causing other problems your doctor may:

Drain any blood that may have collected in or around the septum

Set the fracture by:

Moving the bone back to its normal position after the inflammation has gone down

Stabilizing the bone with gauze packing on the inside and a splint or tape on the outside

Surgery

Surgery may be needed to set the fracture if:

Surgery may be needed to set the fracture if:

The fracture is severe and will not heal without surgery

The nose is severely misshapen

The fracture impairs breathing

Prevention

Nose fractures may not always be preventable, but you can reduce your risk:

Wear protective headgear with face masks when playing contact sports, or when riding a bicycle or motorcycle

Wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a car

Avoid situations that may involve fights

RESOURCES

American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
http://cosmeticsurgery.org

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.ca

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca

References

Fractures of the nose. The Merck Manual Professional Edition website. Available at:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries%5Fpoisoning/facial%5Ftrauma/fractures%5Fof%5Fthe%5Fnose.html. Updated March 2013. Accessed August 21, 2014.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.